THE POTATO MOTH. 153 



and a change of soil has also its advantages. Mr. Tepper 

 suggests also that the tubers, prior to storing, should 

 be washed clean and bathed in some solution which might 

 be distasteful to moths or their progeny, and mentions 

 the use of weak salt or sulphuric acid solutions. Mr. 

 Try on, however, thinks that alum would be more suitable, 

 and I am inclined to agree with him in this respect. 



It is to be feared, however, that in a country where 

 potatoes are often sold at so low a figure, the latter 

 methods, as proposed by the gentleman referred to, would 

 be somewhat too expensive for general use. Still, for 

 those tubers which are intended for seed purposes, it 

 might be carried out with advantage by those having 

 facilities for doing so. 



In this age of wonderful discoveries it would not be too 

 much to expect or at least hope that resistant kinds of 

 potatoes may yet become general, in which case many of 

 our troubles with these pests at least will be removed. 



The slush-lamp system should have a good trial, and 

 must be placed in a growing crop (Mr. Lucas thinks 

 when in flower), also amongst the pits in which the tubers 

 are usually stored. 



The failure, even if only partial, of our potato crops is 

 a serious matter for any community ; so that in helping 

 each other with advice, and the results of our experiences, 

 we may be able to considerably reduce the damage done 

 by this widespread and destructive little insect ; and the 

 same remark will apply all through. We must have, in 

 addition to our own experiences, the co-operation of 

 growers themselves. 



The use of the tarred canvas frame would also be of 

 great advantage, as immense numbers of moths of many 

 kinds may be captured by its adoption. Take some light 

 battens (soft wood is the lightest and best for the purpose), 

 cut them into 5-ft. lengths, fasten together at the 

 corners, and on this frame, to which should be attached 

 a long handle, stretch some stout calico or light canvas, 

 the latter being the more desirable. Smear the underside 

 of the canvas with tar, which must be put on cold, and 



